A study done on Rabbits shows that lycopene is just effective as statins to reduce arterial plaque that causes atherosclerosis. If the study can be copied with similar results in humans people wouldn’t have to worry about the side-effects caused by statins.

The authors of the study think the results are so compelling that lycopene can be used as a preventive for atherosclerosis.

“Supplements of the lycopene, the carotenoid that give tomatoes their red colour, may be as effective as statins to reduce the formation of plaques in the arteries that cause atherosclerosis, says a new study with rabbits.”